Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
8~7'~
IRONING APPARATUS
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This inven-tion relates in general to ironing equipment
and, more particularly, to a compac-t, collapsible ironing
apparatus including means Eor automatic iron lifting.
This invention constitutes an improvement of -the
ironing apparatus set fort.h in Fos~er U. S. Paten-t No.
3,303,591, issued February 14, 1967v
It is an objec-t of the present inven-tion to provide
ironing apparatus which compactly and unitarily comprises
an iron, support linkage therefor, and means for suppor-ting
and securing an ironing board in conjunction with the support
linkage and wherein the iron is supported in a configuration
for providiny extremely facile handling during ironing
operations.
It is another object of the invention to provide such
ironing apparatus whi.ch is of a folding nature for p.rovidillg
extremely compac-t configuration, wher- rolded, requirlng
~0 minimum stora~e space during disuse.
~ nother object of the invention i.s the provision of
such apparatus which includes an i.roning board and support
means therefor which are readily movable between storage
and use orientations and are of collapsible configuration.
It is a furthex object of the present invention to
provide compact, collapsible ironing apparatus of the -type
stated including an ironing board easily movable between
storage and use position, and which further includes a
support arrangement including legs which extend au~o-
matically in response to movement of the iron.ing board toits use position.
7~7
It is another object of the present invention to
provide such ironing apparatus which is lightweight so as
to be amenable to easy handling by even a small person,
yet which provldes extremely simple installation, unfolding
and set-up for ready use, and subsequent folding for
storage.
Another object of the present invention is the pro-
vision of such ironing apparatus which incorporates auto-
matic iron supporting means so that, upon termination of
any ironing movement for whatever purpose, such as for
chanying the work, shifting same on the ~oard, etc., the
iron is configurable in a position lifted above the board,
thereby sparing the user the heretofore tedious and
laborious procedure of carrying the iron to a resting
place and returning same to the work.
A further objec-t of the invention is the provision
of such apparatus for providing a lifting force for the
iron for resort to heavy manual lifting of the iron, and
which lifting force facilitates the raisiny of -the iron
~0 from an ironing board surface on which it is located
during ixoning.
It is a Eurther object of the present invention to
provide such ironing apparatus which includes provision
for causing the iron to be restrained against movement,
floating, or shifting if manually released when in a
position lif-ted above the board, so that the iron will
remain poised with relation to the work as presented by
the user in readiness for resuming ironing operations~
A further object of the present invention is to
provide such ironing apparatus which maintains components
in operative condition to avoid any inadvertent, accidental
or premature collapsing and yet disposing such components
fox easy, selective return to collapsed, stored condition.
A still further object of the present invention is
to provide such ironing apparatus which includes a foot-
opexated arrangement for selectively releasiny the mechanism
to permit movement between use and StGrag~ positions.
A further object of the invention is the provision
of such ironing apparatus which, upon termination of
ironing operations, allows the iron to be stored while
still hot without danger to persons or apparatus.
Among further objects of the present invention are
the pxovisions of such ironing apparatus which is of
simplified, economical construction, providing but few
simple parts fabriacted of durable materials to render
the apparatus resistant to failure and breakdown; which
is economical in production; which is extremely reliable
in usage; and which eliminates the heretofore accepted
inconvenience associated with the storing of ironing
boards and ironers.
Yet another object of the invention is the provision
of such ironing apparatus which may be used in conjunction
with a conventional ironing board if desired, and without
requiring modiflcation of the ironing board.
It i5 a still further objec-t of the present invention
to provide such ironing apparatus which can be used with
virtually any selected type of conventional dry or steam
type iron of the hand-held variety; being amenable to
¢~7 7
facile securement to, and lifting of, irons o~ ~arious
different manufacturers, yet without requiring modific-
ation of the iron.
It is another object of the present invention ~o
provide such lroning apparatus including an ironing
board which is reliably maintalned in its storage position
until moved deliberately therefrom by the user.
Another object of the invention is the provision oE
such ironing apparatus which is easily transported, when
its components are in collapsed, sto~age orientation,
from place to place by rolling across a floor surface.
In accordance with the principal object, the inven-tion
contemplates a compact~ collapsible ironing apparatus for
supporting a hand iron above the ironing surface of an ironing
board, which comprises a base for supportive disposition upon
a supporting surface and is characterized by at least one
upright post member extending upwardly from the base. A means
secures an ironing board in a use position proximate the post
member with the ironing surface horizontally disposed for ironing
thereon. An articulated linkage is swingably interengagecl
at one end with the post member and is extendable by articu-
lation to positions over the ironing surface. A securemen-t
means pivotally interconnects -the other, post-remote end of
the linkage with the iron for permitting movement of the
iron between first and second orientations respectively in
and out of contact with the ironing surface. The linkage is
swingable about the post member and provides articulation
when the iron is in the firs-t orientation for freely permit-ting
relocation of the iron to desired positions over the linkage
surface. A means associated with the linkage prevents arti~
culation when the iron is in the second orientation to main-tain
the iron out of contact with the ironing surface.
In a further embodiment, the invention contemplates a
compact, collapsible ironing apparatus for supporting a hand
iron above the ironing surface of an ironing board which com-
prises a base for supportive disposition upon a supporting
surface and is characterized by at least one upright post
member extending upwardly from ~he base. A means secures an
ironing board in a use position proximate the post member
with the ironing surface horizontally disposed for ironing
thereonO An articulated linkage is swingably interengaged
at one end with the post member and is extendable by articulation
to positions over the ironing surface. A securement means
pivotally interconnects the other, post-remote end o the
linkage with the iron for permitting movement of the iron
between first and second orientations respectively in and out
of contact with the ironing surface. The linkage is swingable
about the post member and provides articulation when the iron
is in the firs-t orientation for freely permitting relocation
of the iron to desired positions over the linkage surface. The
base comprises folding support members movable between storage
and use positions conjointly with swinging movement o the
ironing hoard between its respective storage and use positions.
The folding support members of the base comprises leg members
swingably affixed for movement between respective raised
positions for storage and extended positions for use. The
extended positions provide increased area of contact of the
base with the supporting surface. The leg members are a~fixed
at opposite sides of the base and when in respective extended
positions project in opposite directions from the base.
Other objects will be in part apparent and in par-t
pointed out hereinbelow
-4a-
BRIEF DESCRIPTI~N OF THE DRAWIN~S
FIGURE 1 is a front elevation of ironin~ apparatus,
including an ironing board, constructed in accordance with
and embodying the present invention, constituting a first
embodiment.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation of such embodiment as
taken along line 2--2 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of ironing apparatus
of the invention as oriented for use and with certain
support members secured -to the apparatus prior to iron
lifting members being unfolded from their stored position.
FIGURE 4 is a similar perspective view of the apparatus
with the iron lifting members unfolded and deployed for
use and with an ironing board secured in a position of
readiness for use.
FIGU~E 5 is a side view of certain portions of the
iron lifting mechanism including a spring-loaded secure-
ment device which provides interengagement with a standard
steam iron of the conventional hand-held type, the iron
being shown in a lifted position.
FIGURE 6 is a similar side view of such apparatus and
the i.ron being demonstrated in a lowered position as for
use during the ironing operat,ion.
FIGURE 7 is a rear view of the spring-loaded secure-
ment device as attached to the iron.
FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view of portions of
the apparatus of FIGURE 7, as -taken along line 8--8 of
FIGURE 7, demonstrating the securement thereof -to a handle
member of the iron, such member being shown in phantom.
FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary rear elevational view,
partly in cross-section, as taken along line 9--9 of
FIGURE 8.
--5--
FIGURE 10 is a side elevation view of the securement
device taken along line 10--10 of FIGURE 9.
FIGURE 11 is an end elevation, partly in cross-section,
taken along line 11~-11 of FIGURE 9, of the opposite end
of ~he securement device.
FIGURE 12 iS a perspective view of apparatus of the
invention, as observed from the rear, demonstrating
certain iron support components thereof in a stored
position.
FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of
portions of the apparatus and particularly of iron
supporting or lifting elements as extended for use and
with the iron being shown in a lifted position.
FIGURE 14 is a vertical cross-section of certain
supporting elements of the apparatus, including an elbow
thereof.
FIGURE 15 is a bottom view of certain ironing
board securement features of the invention.
FIGURE 16 is a similar bottom view illustrating
components of the securement features in a position
for interengagement of the apparatus with an ironing
board.
FIGURE 17 is a transverse cross sectional view
taken along line 17--17 of FIGURE .~6.
FIGURE 18 is a perspec-tive view of apparatus of
the invention, as configured for lifting an iron, and
interengaged with a conventional ironing board, appearing
with FIGURE 14,
FIGURE 19 is a side elevation of ironing apparatus,
including an ironing board, such ironing board being shown
in stored position, as constructed in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 20 is a front elevatior. oE the apparatus of
FIGURE 19.
FIGURE 21 is a side elevation, from the opposite
side, of apparatus of FIGURE 19,
FIGURE 22 is a front perspecti~e view of the new
ironing apparatus of FIGURE 19 illustrating movement
of elements when first being oriented for use.
FIGURE 23 is a simiIar perspective view bf the
apparatus of FIGURE 19 when the elements are nearly in
use position~
FIGURE 24 is a front perspective view of ixoning
apparatus of FIGURE 19 as oriented for use and with
certain iron support elements of the apparatus being
shown in their use position but prior to disposition
of the iron for u~e.
FIGURE 25 is a perspective view, from the side, of
the apparatus of FIGURE 19 with the elements in the same
positions as depicted in FIGURE 24.
FIGURE 26 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective
vi.ew of base and support elements of the FIGURÆ 1~ apparatus.
FIGURE 27 is an enlarged perspective vlew, again
oE a fragmentary nature but from another location, showing
certain features of base and support elements of the
E'IGURE l9 apparatus.
FIGURE 28 is a fragmentary bottom view of certain
ironing board mounting features of the invention, as
taken along line 28--28 of FIGURE 24.
FIGURE 29 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view
of portions of base and support elements of the FIGURE 19
apparatus, and with leg members retracted.
FIGURE 30 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 29
but illustrating the leg members extended.
~7--
-
~ t7
FIGURE 31 is an enlarged perspective view of the
attachment of a certain iron support arm and associated
structure including a feature for ensuring proper latching
of components for storage.
FIGURE 32 iS a similar perspective view illustrating
further aspects of the elements shown in FIGURE 310
FIGURE 33 is a vertical cross-section of portions of
the base, as taken generally along line 33- 33 of FIGURE 26.
FIGURE 34 is a horizontal cross-section of certain
base and support members with elements partly broken away
for illustration, as taken generally along line 34--34
of FIGURE 27.
FIGURE 35 is a vertical cross-section, partly broken
away, of portions of certain base structure, as taken
generally along line 35--35 of FIGURE 34.
FIGURE 36 is a side view elevation of certain por-tions
of an iron lifting mechanism of the invention, including
a spring-loaded securement device which provides inter-
engagement with a standard hand-held steam iron and
support structure therefor, the iron being shown in a
lifted position.
FIGURE 37 is a side elevation of the iron and support
structure therefor, with the iron in a use position.
FIGURE 38 is a rear view of the spring-loaded secure-
ment device as secured to the iron and with the iron in
use position.
FIGURE 39 is a view of a portion of the alternative
securement device as seen from the direction opposite from
that o~ FIGURE 38.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
o~
DESCRIPTIO~ OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIME~TS
Referring now by reference characters to the drawings
which illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present
invention, A designates a first embodiment of ironing
apparatus for use with a conventional hand type iron,
generally designated 1, which may be a steam iron, and
typical of numerous types of commercially available domestic
or commercial hand irons which are presently available.
In FIGURES 1 and 2, apparatus A is shown in a compact,
folded state, when not in use, or during storage, and
with iron 1 being in a stored position until the apparatus
is ready for use.
Referring particularly to FIGURES 5 and 6, iron 1 has
the usual sole plate 2 and body 3 having a hand grip 4
having at the forward end a steam or spray nozzle 6 and at
the rear a support portion 7 of increased thickness~ Portion
7 defines a base or heel 8 of the iron on which it is in-
tended to be seated if used conventionally apart from the
new apparatus, which provides lifting of the iron.
Connec~ed to iron 1 is a securement or terminal device
or unit, designated generally 9, secured by a rod to a
ball swivel joint 11 including a sleeve 12 clampingly
engaging a ball 13 at the upper end of rod 10. Sleeve
12 is carried at the distal end of a tubular forearm member
15 .
Referring now to FIGURE 4, which displays the ironlng
apparatus A in a configuration for use of iron 1 during
ironing of articles of fabric~ forearm 15 is seen to be
pivotally secured by an elbow unit 16 in articulating
relationship to a main support arm 17, also of tubular
configuration, in turn pivotally secured to a tubular ex~
tension 18 telescopingly received within a tubular main
support post or leg member 20. There is, thus, provided
an articulating linkage pivotally connected at one end to
leg 20, and swingable relative thereto and pivotally
connected by securement unit 9 at the other end to iron 1.
Leg member 20 is one of a paîr, the other being designated
21. Legs 20, 21, being parallel, extend upwardly from a
base, generally 23, having a pair of transverse tubular
base members 24, 25, each of rectangular cross-section and
bridged by a third tubular base member 26, also of rect-
angular cross-section.
Bas~ 23 includes an opening 28 defined by one end of
member 26 for receiviny an elongated length of tubing
constituting a foot 27 of rectangular tubular character
having rectilinear alignment wit.h member 26 and having
at its base-remote end a pad or enlarged surface support
member 28. Similarly, there is provided a second foot 29
which extends outwardly from base 23 at an angle with
.respect to base member 24 to provide an obtuse angular
relationship with :Eoot 27 to provide a broad, stable base
of support for apparatus A. Foot 29 similarly includes at
its base-remote end a pad 30.
Generally, a specially conf.igured ironing board 32 of
the inve.ntion .is clampingly interengaged with post or leg
21 in a manner described below to provide a rectangular
ironing surface having portions which extend substantially
equidistantly on opposite sides of the upper portion 20'
of leg 20, from which upper portion extension 18 extends
and is free to rotate therein and, thus, swing about the
longitudinal axis of leg 20. The dimensions of board 32
are suitable ~e.g., slightly more than 40 inches in length,
as contrasted with conventional "standard" ironing boards,
and having a width of slightly more than substantially half
--10--
'7~
such length) for disposing arm 17 for swinging and ar-ticu-
lating motions to present iron 1 in a supported relation-
ship for movement over substantially all of the upper
surface of ironing board 32. The latter is preferably
covered by the usual heat-resistant cover and an underlying
pad or resilient layer, thereby providing a smooth,
continuous, substantially flat yet slightly resilient and
conformal surface 33 for ironing.
~s will be apparent from FIGURE 4, the longitudinal
axis of board 32 forms an angle relative to the longi
tudinal axis of bridging member 26 of the base, as well
as the foot 27 extending therefrom, and with the angular
relationship o~ foot 29 relative to base member 2~ which
receives it being such as to define an angle also relative
to longitudinal axis of ironing board 32, which angle is
substantially comparable if not equal to that formed wi-th
the longitudinal axis of ironing board 32 and foot 27.
Through a mechanism more readily apparent from the
following description, arm 17 and forearm 15, by means of
rod 10 and the securement device or unit 9 which clamping:ly
engage iro~ 1, are adapted for providing a lifting force
:Eor maintaininc~ iron 1 in the lifted position demonstrated
in FIGURE ~, when in disuse or intermediate ironing steps
of the user and, thus, in an orientation providing un-
encumbered access to surface 33 of the ironing board for
placing thereon of various articles to be ironed and yet
with the iron conventionally presented for immediate
utilization by lowering into contact with an article to
be ironed. When the iron is ln an orientation contacting
the surface of ironing board 32, the articulating arm and
forearm freely permit the iron to move to selected positions
7'~
upon the ironing board surface, as desired duriny ironing
operations. During such movement, arm 17 is free to swing
about the longitudinal axis of leg 20.
For purposes of securing ironing board 32 to apparatus
A, there is provided at the top of support leg 21 a bracket
35 of L-shaped cross~section, as by being secured at one
end thereof to the upper end of leg 21. Said bracket
comprises a base flange 36 of horizontal disposition and
a vertical, upright flange 37. Fxtending upwardly through
horizontal flange 36 (FIGURE 3) is a locking dog or finger
38 adapted for clampingly engaging the side lip of an
ironing board in a manner demonstrated shortly hereinbelow.
Bracket flange 36 may be provided with an aperture 39
aligning with the bore of leg 21 for receiving a downwardly
projecting tubular member 39' of the ironing board, as
later explained.
This arrangement permits securement not only of the
re~tangular ironing board of conventional or "standard"
type such as widely utilized, as more fully set forth
below. Such an ironing board is design~ted generally
in its entirety at 40 in FIGURE 18 in disposition for
use and secured by the clamping arrangement of bracket
35 to apparatus A, all as descrihed hereinbelow.
Before such discussion, the features of the arrange-
ment for securement by unit 9 of iron 1 to apparatus ~
and the iron support features of the apparatus are more
clearly revealed.
Thus, referring to FIGURES 7-11, device 9 for
securing iron 1 at the lower end of rod 10. Referring
specifically to FIGURFS 8 and 9, it is seen that rod 10
includes a lateral offset portion 42 (See FIGURE 12)
but extends downwardly throughout the major portion of
-12-
~L~
its length until a point of bending rearwardly to provide
a rearwardly offset portion 43 which in turn is bent at
44 in a direction forming substantially a right angle
not only with offset portion 43 but also with the major
portion of rod lO which ~xtends upwardly from offset
portion 43, providing a transverse portion 45 of recti-
linear character. Device 9 comprises a single piece of
sheet metal 47 which is bent to provide a housing of U-shaped
configuration, including an upper surface 48, bottom surface
49 and vertical wall surface 50. Member 47 also includes
at its opposite sides plates 51, 51' which are apertured
at 52, 52' for journalling of member 47 about -the longi-
tudinal axis of rod portion 45.
The distal end 54 of rod portion 45 extends well beyond
plate 51 and is provided with a sleeve 55 closed at one end
and having a flange 56 on the other end. The flange dia-
meter is greater than that of aperture 52 so that it will
bear against the inner surface of plate 51 and with the rod
end 54 being retain~d within sleeve 55. Further, rod end
54 is provided with a transverse slot 58 for receiving one
end 59 of a coiled tension spring 60, having its othex end
61 provided with a hook 62 for enc3aging a lip defined by
upper surface 48 of housing member 47, whereby torsional
Eorce of the spring may be exerted upon rod relative to
housinc3 member 47.
~ ousing upper surface 48 has a projection 62 extending
laterally beyond rod lO for engaging rod lO to establish
a stop which limits pi~otal movement of iron 1 when lowered
to a use position. A lateral extension 65 of lower surface
49 similarly establishes a maximum position of ro-tation of
the iron upward, i.e., counterclockwise as viewed in
-13-
7~
FIGUR~ 10, when rotated about the axis of rod portion 45.
Extension 65 engages the offset portion 43 of rod 10, so
-that the overall angular extent of movement permitted by
rotation of unit 9 about the axis of rod extension 45 is
somewhat greater than 90 but much less than 180.
Accordingly, iron 1 i~ permitted to rotate about xod
portion 45 between a raised position, shown in FIGURE 5
and a lowered position, shown in FIGURE 6.
For securement of unit 9 to iron 1, there is provided
a flexible band 67, such as of wixe cable, having its
ends swedged or otherwise secured within threaded fittings
68, 68'. The latter are screwed into threaded ferrules 69,
69l having enlarged diameter heads slotted for screwdriver
tightening of band 67 about the handle portion 7 of the iron
to grippingly secure unit 3 to the iron without any modifi-
cation of the iron or damage to it. This arrangement is
amenable for use with any of myriad different varieties
and manufactures of irons which have an enlarged handle
portion 7 by which the handle per se is affixed to the iron.
As configured for use, unit 9 is, thus, conveniently
attached to the iron by the -tightening of ferrules 69, 69'.
Then, spring 60 is suitably pretensioned by depressing the
outer, closed end of sleeve 55 to shift rod 10 to the
right, as viewed in FIGURES 8 and 9, relative to housing
47. This permits the rod to clear extensions 64, 65,
whereupon the iron is rotated a selected number of turns
about the axis of rod portion 45 until a desired state of
tension of spring 60 is achieved, preferably such as
almost substantially to counterbalance the weight of iron
1 so that it will remain in the position shown in FIGURE 6
in the a~sence of any assistance by the user,but~ with
only the slightest upward pressure by the fingertips of the
-14-
&`~77
user, the iron can be caused to rotate upwardly as viewed
in FIGURE 5, where it remains by virtue of the relocation
of the center of gravity of the iron rela-tive to rod 10
and by engagement of tab 65 with rod portion 44. The
sleeve 55, thus, permits pretensioning while allowing rod
portion 45 to remain rotatably journalled within housing
47 at all times.
Referring now to FIGURES 13 and 14, i-t is seen that
swivel unit 11 permits the free orientation of rod 10
relative to the longitudinal axis of forearm 15 and provides
also a wide range of permissible movement of the iron
relative to forearm 15 when the latter is not utilized for
the supporting of the iron, as will be the case when the
iron is in its lowered position (FIGURE 6~ for ironing of
various articles of clothing, but permitting rod 10 to
hang substantially vertically downward from swivel unit
11 when the iron is suppoxted, as demonstrated in FIGURE 13,
and the iron being, accordingly, positioned relative to
rod 10 as shown in FIGURE 5.
With reference specifically now to FIGURE 14, forearm
15 is of hollow, tubular character, being preferably of
c.ircular cross-section~ It is secured at its proximal end
to a sheave 71 journably .rotated upon a shaft 72 within a
suitab.le housing 73. Th~ latter is in turn secured -to the
di.stal end of main support arm 17 so that there is capability
for the elbow 16 to permit articulating movemen-t of Eore-
arm 15 with respect to support arm 17, which also is of
tubular character and circular cross~section.
The proximal end of arm 17 is pivotally connected by
~30 a cross shaft or pin 75 extending transversely through
tubular extension 18~ which is of larger diameter than
-15-
'7~
arm 17 and has a substantial semi-circular portion cut
away proximate its upper end to define a half sleeve, in
effect, designated at 76, against which arm 17 may lie to
provide a coaxial relationship of extension 18 and arm
17 for storage purposes, but other~7ise permitting arm 17
to swing downwardly, as demonstrated in FIGURE 14, to form
a substantial angle relative to the longitudinal axis of
extension 18.
For limiting ~he such outward extending movement of
arm 17 relative to exte.nsion 18 and also for fixing the
angular relationship between arm 17 and forearm 15, there
is provided a cable 78 which extends through the hollow
bore 77 or arm 17, passes over sheave 71 in a groove 79
defined by flanges (as at 80, on opposite sides thereof)
and is secured at one end to a suitable fitting 81 carried
at the proximal end of forearm 15.
Proximate the lower end of arm 17, there is provided
within its bore 77 a plug 83 of circular cross-section
having formed therein a groove 84 providing a generally
large radius of curvature over which cab].e 78 passes and
then extends through an aperture 86 below the plug and
thence outwardly for securement by means of a screw or other
fitting 87 to tubular portion 7~.
It will be, therefore, appreciated that there is a
:Eixed angular relationship provided at all times of arm
17 with respect to tubular extension 18 and for forearm
15 with respect to arm 17. If, for example, forearm
15 should be swung downwardly toward axm 17 to reduce the
angle therebetween, cable 78 will be moved around sheave
71 to reduce the length of cable between securement point
87 and aperture 75 and thereby to reduce the angle between
~16-
arm 17 and -the longitudinal axis o~ tubular extension
18.
Further, when the iron 1 is in its raised position,
as depicted in FIGURES 13 and 18, the weight of the iron
upon forearm 15, as transferred to -forearm 15 and arm 17
by means of rod 10, causes tensioning of the cable with
resultant frictional force generated by cable 78 upon the
surfaces of groove 84 within plug 83 to provide a braking
movement fixedly maintaining the angular relationship of
arm 17 with respect to tubular extension 18. Further,
since the cable 78 is then locked, as it were, in position
within bore 77 of arm 17, the angular orientation of sheave
71, and consequently of the axis o~ forearm 15, will remain
fixed. In this way, forearm 15 can remain oriented in
position to maintain iron 1 in the position in which i~
was last placed in its .raised orientation and with iron 1
then remaining suspended by arm 17 and forearm 15 in
readiness for recommencing ironing operation.
The resultant lifting of iron 1 to a convenient
position in readiness ~or being lowered again to the
ironing board surface when desired by the user provides
~xtreme convenience and eliminates a very substantial
fatigue factor which otherwise would be necessitated for
the average user, such as the housewife, who when using
a conventional iron would have to be constantly lifting~
carrying and transferring the iron at frequent and re-
peated intervals through ironing operations. Moreover,
since the tension on cable 78 is released as soon as the
iron is returned to its normal position anywhere on -the
board, the articulating movement of arm 17 with respect
to tubular extension 18 and of forearm 15 with respect to
arm 17 is once more freely permitted so that the iron may
be readily transferred to any point within the reach of
the articulations thus provided, as dependent upon the
selected length of cable 78. Hence, cable 78 is pre-
selected in dimension to provide for the ~reedom of move-
ment requisite for iron 1 to be readily moved to any
point on the ironing board surface.
Since at all times spring 60 maintains unit 9 in a
pretensioned state providing a constant lifting ~orce upon
iron 1, the user need only apply the slightest of pressure
upward upon handle portion 4 to swing the iron from the
position shown in FIGURE 6 to that demonstrated in FIGURE 5,
at which point the heel 8 of the iron will be li~ted free
of the ironing board surface and the iron will assume a
suspended condition and with its weight tensioning cable
78, as explained above, to conveniently fix the position
oE the iron in its suspended position at a point of readi-
ness for once more being returned to a position of use
upon the ironing board surface r such as after the user has
reoriented an article of clothing or replaced an ironed
article with one next to be ironed. Such upward pressure
is much, much less than the weight of the iron, since
spring 60 nearly, i.e., almost, fully compensates for the
moment o~ the iron.
Apparatus of the invention is of a foldable character
for providing compact, convenient storage when not in use.
For this purpose, tubular extension 18 is axially slidable
in telescoping relationship within leg 20. For maintaining
extension 18 in its raised position shown in FIGURE 14,
it is provided with a spring button 89 extending through
a hole 90 within extension 18 and biased outwardly, as by
-18-
r77
means of a leaf spring 91 or the like and, thus, presenting
a shoulder or surface 92 for ~earing against the lip of
leg portion 20'.
Referrlng to FI~URE 13, iron 1 has a power cord 94
which is held at elbow 16 by a suitable clamp 95 affixed
appropriately ~o housing 73~ Cord 94 is, thus, maintained
conveniently out of the way during ironing operations.
Cord 94 is also secured to leg portion 20' by a further
clamp 96 of suitable configuration. Accordingly, upon
the arm 17 being raised from its stored position tele-
scoping enclosed within leg 20, movement of arm 17 upwardly
is permitted until the section of cord between clamps 95
and 96 becomes taut, limiting further upward movement and
so precluding tubular extension 18 from being pulled
upwardly out of the upper end 20' of the leg.
For storage of ironing apparatus A, spring button 89
is pressed inward to clear the lip 91 of leg portion 20'
and arm 17, having been swung into axial alignment with
tubular extension 18, may now be lowered telescopingly
into leg 20 to a storage positi.on depicted in FIGURE 12
wherein leg 20 receives t~le entire length of arm 17 and
with housing 73 now resting on lip 91 of the leg. Further,
a.rm 15 extends downwardly from elbow 16 in a position
presenting iron 1 substantially intermediate legs 20, 20'
and maintaining the i.ron in a suspended condition, where
it is safely not in contact with other structure. Hence,
the apparatus may be folded for storage even though iron
1 is still hot.
- 1 9
A novel arrangement for locking forearm 15 in the
position demonstrated in FIGURE 12 is provided by a
lever 98 having a notch 99 for accommodating the forearm
and swingable about the axis of locking pin 38.
Referring to FIGURES 15-17, the configuration of
lever 98 is more clearly seen. It includes a tab or
flanye 101 providing a surface for convenient application
of force for movement between the posi-tlons shown in
FIGURES 15 and 16. For maintaining said arm 93 in
position against the bottom surface of the horizontal
flange 36 of bracket 35, there is provided a spriny wire
102 having one end connected to the brac]cet by a screw,
rivet or other suitable fitting 103 and the other end
being extended through an aperture 104 in the wall of
leg 2L. Further, locking pin 38 is provided with a head
104 of generally rectangular configuration against which
~pring wire 102 is resiliently urged, tendiny to maintain
arm 98 in a position either aligned with the longitudinal
axis of bracket 35, as in FIGURE 16, or as ~as shown in
FIGURE 121 in a position in which notch 9~ or arm 98
enyages forearm 15.
The mechanism for interengagement of an ironing board,
as designated at 32 in FIGURES 3 and 4, to bracket 35 is
now apparent. The tubular extension 39' of the ironing
board is inserted in leg aperture 39, as will be seen in
FIGURE 17. Ironiny board 32 is shown simplistically in
FIGURE 17 as having merely an upper surface 107 and a
vertical or side edge or flange 108, althouyh, as would
be understood, a padding layer and cover are, in actuality,
present. Dog or finger 38 is oriented relative to arm 98
so that it will be directed toward hori~ontal flanye (See
-20-
FIGURE 17) when lever 98 is oriented substantially in
line with bracket 35. However, for interengaging the
bracket 35 and ironing board 32, arm 98 is oriented
first as shown in FIGURE 15 with dog or finger 38 being
then directed parallel to side edge 108. The side edge
108 is now adjacent vertical flange 37 of bracket 35.
Handle 98 is then swung from the positlon in FIGURE 15
to the position in FIGURE 16, thus, bringing locking
finger 38 into engagement with wall 108 for clampingly
engaging it between upright web 37 and the distal end
of finger 38. Ironing board 32 is then locked in place
and reliably maintained in the position demonstrated in
FIGURE 4, providing a stable, convenient orientation
permitting swinging of arm 17 about the longitudinal axis
of leg 2Q to present iron 1 conveniently for being placed
at any desired location on board 32 during ironing
operations.
Such locking arrangement also makes possible the
use of apparatus A with conventional ironing board 40,
as FIGURE 18 has illustrated. Lever 98 is similarly
turned to bring loc]cing finger 38 into engagement with
the usual upright flange (not shown) of the conventlonal
.ironing board, which, thus, presents a side edge 109
which is seated against bracket 35. Also, a conventional
ironing board, as at 40, has the usual legs 111, 112
having elongated extensions 111', 112' at their extremities
for providing a stable base of support for ironing board
40. Accordingly, when apparatus A is clampingly inter
engaged in the above-described manner with ironing board
3Q 40, the use of feet 27, 29, as previously described, is
obviated, as FIGURE 18 demonstrates.
-21-
t~
Referring now to FIGURES 19-38, B designates
generally another embodiment of compact, collapsible
ironing apparatus of the invention intended to provide
nearly effortless ironing in domestic use yet allowing
utilization of commercially available hand type steam
irons, eOg., as generally designated 201, representative
of many domestic or commercial hand irons presently
available in the market.
In FIGURES 19-21, apparatus B is shown in a collapsed,
compact ~olded state for storage with all elements posi-
tioned to occupy minimum volumetric space such as will
permit the entire apparatus to be placed in a closet or
other confined space, but fully ready for being almost
instanteously returned to a use position. In FIGURES 24
and 25, apparatus B is shown with its various mechanisms
reconfigured with all elements deployed for initiating
the ironing operation.
In addition to iron 201, there is provided an ironing
board designated generally 202 which is adapted to swing
between a storage position shown in FIGURES 19-21 and
use position shown in FIGURES 24 and 25.
Referring particularly to FIGURES 36-38, iron 201
has the usual sole plate 203 and body 204 having a hand
grip 205 having a thicker rear portion 206 merging into
a base or heel 207 on which the iron may be seated.
Connected to iron 201 is a securement or terminal
device, designated generally 209 connected by a rod 210
which may be termed a support arm extension by which the
iron is to be supported and interconnected with a support
3Q linkage designated generally in its entirety at 211.
This linkage includes a downwardly depending hook 212
-22-
having a projection 213 over which is fitted a swivel
ey~ 214 formed at the upper end of rod 210 and permitting
rod 210 to freely swivel about two axes of rotation at
right angles to each other and defined by hook member 212.
Iron support linkage 211 comprises articulated first
and second arm members 215, 216 each swingable within
a horizontal plane above the ironing surface 21~ of
ironing board 2Q2 when the latter is in the use position
as in FIGURES 24 and 25. For this purpose, arm 216 is
interconnected with arm 215 by a swivel joint 218 in-
cluding tubular housing 218l having, for example, sleeve-
type bearings therein to provide a strong, secure coupling
having very low friction. Arm 215 is, however, in~er-
connected at its proximal end by a fixed connection 219
to a rotatable upright member 221 for permitting subs-tantial
weight to be applied by arm 215 when the linkage is
extended yet with extremely low friction.
Arms 215, 216 are preferably of tubular construction,
as of steel tubing having rectangular cross section.
Linkage 211 is carried at the upper end of tubular up-
ri~ht member 221 which extends upwardly from the rear
o~ a base 222. Member 221 is vertically oriented according
to the preferred construction. Extending upwardly from
the ~ront of base 222 is a shorter tubular upright member
223 which is curved slightly to the left, as seen in
FIGURE 20, at its upper extremity with respect to vertical.
Pivotally secured to the upper end of member 223 is
ironing board 202. Base 222, its components, and members
221, 223 are all preferably of steel tubing. Protective
rubber or plastic caps 220 are fitted over the free ends
of tubular base members. An arrangement permitting rot-
ation of member 221 about its axis of elongation is
explained later.
-23-
Referring to FIGURES 24 and 25, base 222 is formed
primarily of two tubular support members 224, 224' inter-
connected at the rear by bracket-like member 225 and
forwardly by a rod 226 ~FIGURE 34), the latter extending
through a beam 227 upon which stand upright members 221,
223. Support members 224, 224' extend forwardly from rod
226 to provide extensions beneath ironing board 202 ~or
stable support. Members 224, 224' can freely rotate in
bracket 225 and relative to rod 226. At opposite ends of
member 224' are rotatable caster wheels 228 by which the
apparatus when folded may be rolled easily across a floor
surface.
Extending radially from members 224, 224' are respective
leg members or extensions 229, 229' each swingable in a
vertical plane on a horizontal transversely oriented pivot
axis defined by rotation of members 224, 224', permitting
movement of extensions 229, 229' (which are thus swingably
afixed), between respective raised positions (FIGURES 19-
21) for storage and extended positions (FIGIJRES 24 and 25)
for use. In the extended posltions, extensions 229, 229'
provide greatly widenecl area of contact of base 222 with
the Eloor or other supporting surface.
This movement of leg members 229, 229' extends them
i31 opposite directions from base 222 and substantially
aligned with the longitudinal axis of ironing board 217
while underlying the same. This enhances the side-to-
side stability of the apparatus~ This movement of leg
members 229, 229' is controlled by a swing control linkage
231 interconnected with ironing board 202 by an arm 232
pivotally attached to the underside of board 202. This
linkage causes the legs to be extended upon movement o
ironing board 217 from its storage positlon to its use
-24-
7~
position. For this purpose, a sleeve 233 is slidable
upon upright member 223. Linkage 231 includes first and
seco~d links 234, 234' interconnecting sleeve 233 with
the respective leg members 229, 229'. Arm 232 inter-
connects link 234' with ironing board 202 at a location
radially spaced from a point of its pivo-tal securement
to upright member 223.
Referring to FIGURE 28, the upper end of ironing
board support member 223 i5 connected to ironing board
202 by a shaft 236 which extends between longitudinal
ribs of the ironing board which is thereby free to rotate
on an axis at right angles to members 223 for movement
between storage and use positions.
Referring now to FIGURES 26-30 and 33-35, the con-
struction of the base and its various elements are more
clearly revealed. Rod 226 is, in effec-t, a cross shaft
for maintaining members 224, 224' in spaced rela~ionship.
This shaft is threaded at its opposite ends into plastic
plugs, as at 237 in FIGURE 34, which are secured to the
shaft by set screws, as at 238. Each plug 237 is free
to rotate within the corresponding member 224, 224lo
Slots, as at ~0, are provided for this purpose in each
of members 224, 224'. Accordingly, legs 229, 229' may
revolve through an angle of about 95. Rockably affixed,
relative to shaft or rod 226, is a tension latch member
241 secured by welding to a U-shaped latch release member
243 extending rearwardly from the base for permitting the
user to exert foot pressure for release of latch member
241. Release lever 243 is held in its level position
3Q prior to release by a spring wire 244 secured to base
member 225. Release lever 243 extend~ rearwardly from an
~25-
L-section member 246 which conforms to shaft 226 so that
release lever 243 may pivot around the axis of shaft 226
~or moving latch member 241 rearwardly as viewed in
FIGURE 33.
A~' the rear of the base, secured to member 225 is
a tubular member 247 in which is rotatably affixed tubular
support 221. See FIGURES 34 and 35 showing that member
225 is of bracket-like angle material with tubular member
247 being welded to the lower end. At the upper end,
member 247 has a sleeve bearing 248 for journaling member
221 for rotation. A thrust bearing 250 is located within
member 247 at the lower end for receiving a seat upon
member 221. Bearing 250 has seated upon it a plug 252
fitted at the lower end of member 221.
Plug 252 is arcuately slotted at 253 to receive a
screw 254 seated within an extension 255 for limiting
rotation of member 221 within member 247. Also provided
in plug 252 is a recess 257 for receiving a ball detent
258 located on the side opposite screw 254. Ball 258 is
seated in recess 257 during storage movement of the ironer
as described below. For this purpose, a plug 260 is
Eitt~d into member 224' and defines, together with a ring
2Gl affixed by a set screw 262, an inclined seat or recess
263 for camming ball 258 into recess 257 upor~ clockwise
rotation of member 224' as viewed in FIGURE 35.
When the ironing board is in use position, sleeve
233 is locked in its lower position by la-tch member 241.
Links 232 and 234, 234' are all connected to sleeve 233
by a single stub shaft 265 (FIGURE 26). This sleeve in-
cludes also a latch pin 266 which latch member 241 engages
by a suitable shoulder. For permitting sleeve 233 to ride
-26-
smoothly upon member 223, an hourglass-shaped roller 267
provides rolling engagement with member 223 (FIGURE 21).
Downward mo~ement of sleeve 233 is limited by a pin 269
to precisely orient sleeve 233 in its locked lower position
for rigidly securing legs 229, 229' in extended orientation.
When the user exerts foot pressure on release lever
or plate 243, latch member 241 clears pin 266 to permit
sleeve 233 to slide upwardly on member 223 for movement
of the ironing board to its storage position and with
corresponding rotation of legs 229, 229l to their re-
tracted positions. Therefore, the operator need not bend
over to reorient the ironing apparatus for storage~
consistent with an o~erall design philosophy of facilita-ting
the task oE ironing in every possible way.
As viewed in FIGURE 24, ironing board 202, when thus
released, is rotated or swung counterclockwise. Ironing
board 202 continues rotating counterclockwise until
reaching a vertical position, there stopping on dead
center, legs 229, 229' then being vertical. Further,
for compact storage~ arms 215, 216 are oriented as shown
in FIGURE 21 proximate the bottom surface of ironing
board 202 and with iron 201 located proximate the upper
end of upright member 221 while remaining suspencled by
rod 210 and safely out of contact not only with the
ironing board surface but also any other structure.
Accordingly, there is no fire hazard or danger of harmful
contact of iron 201 with adjacent materials or surfaces.
This permits the apparatus to be configured for storage
without waiting for the iron to cool off.
~s discussed pre~iously, rotation of member 231 is
limited by slotted plug 252. Therefore, arm member 215
-2~-
'?7
may be reoriented to a position shown in FIGURES 19-21
and with further movement being limited by the engagement
of screw 254 in slot 253. Slot 253 limits rotatlon of
arm 216 during use of the iron, stopping the arm from
rotating before it comes into alignment with arm 215
and, thus, preventing the arms from doubling back as
would interfere with ironing and reorientation for
storage.
When the ironing board is reoriented for storage,
rotation of base member 224' cams ball detent 258 into
recess 257, assuming that arm 215 has been first moved
to its storage positionl as in FIGURES 19-21. The ball
detent locks member 221 against further rotation to prevent
the iron support arms from swinging when the ironer is
tipped on its base and rolled, by means of rollers 228,
to or from a storage location.
Referring to FIGURES 37 and 38, there is illustrated
a mechanism 271 for securely retaining linkage in its
storage position with arms 215, 216 folded back on one
another as shown in FIGURES 24 and 25. I,ocated atop arm
215 near its connection 219 with member 221 is a latch 273
pivotally connected as by a screw 275 to the upper surface
o arm ~15. Latch 274 includes a finger 276 located for
engaging hook 212 when arm 216 is swung back against arm
215. A spring (not shown) beneath latch 274 suitably
biases it for counterclockwise movement about pivot 275 to
maintain finger 276 in contact with the shank of hook 212.
Further, a fitting providing a flange 277 having a pair of
slots 278 is affixed to arm 215 rearwardly of latch 274.
Slots 278 are spaced for receiving the prongs 279 of the
iron plug 280 for storage. Latch 274 is similarly provided
-28-
with a flange 281 having corresponding slots 278l. The
geometry of latch 274 is such that slots 278, 278' will
come into registry only when hook 212 is engaged by finger
276. Thus, plug 280 cannot be inserked for storage until
latch 274 is secured but, when so inserted, plug 280
effectively locks latch 274 in place. Latch 274 securely
maintains the storage orientation of the arms of linkage
211 when apparatus is being moved~
Referring now to FIGURES 36-39, illustrated are
features of securement device or unit 209 by which iron 201
is supported from linkage 211 and interengaged with it.
Unit 209 permits the iron to be moved between first and
second orientations respectively in and out of contact
with the ironing surface 217. In this regard, the iron
is supported so that it can exert its weight when touching
the surface for effective ironing when moved over the
clothes to be ironed. Thus, the ironing is carried out
partly b~ pressure and partly by steam and heat. However,
the user may easily effect movement of the iron to its
raised posltion, being assisted substantially. Securement
unit 209 comprises a piece 282 oE sheet metal formed as
by bendin~ to provide a channel section configuration pro-
viding an upper portion 282a o~ U--shaped cross section
having side flanges 283, 283' and hingedly secured a
lower portion 282b wherein the flanges are tapered to
diminish in height toward the lower end for conformance
with the conventionally tapered handle portion 206 of
the iron. Flanges 283, 283' extend forwardly at right
angles from a flat rear wall 284 which is secured easily
and simply to handle portion 206 by a screw 285, which
may take the place of one conventionally par-t of the iron.
-29-
The lower end of rod 210 is suitably affixed to
portion 282a which similarly includes a pair of forwardly
extending flanges 286, 286' which are spaced just outwardly
of flanges 283, 283' and are hingedly secured thereto by
a transverse pin 287 extending through all four flanges r
whereby rod 210 and element 282 are pivoted to permlt re-
lative movement with the rod remaining always within a
plane vertically bisecting the iron. It is noted that
unit 272, and thus rod 210, extends upwardly from the iron
in near alignment with the power cord 289 without inter-
ference with sameO
Fitting portion 282a is connected by a pin 287 to
portion 282b and with portion 282a having its upper end
crimped and appropriately brazed or welded, etc. to the
lower end of rod 210, as at 289. Pin 287 is hori20ntal
and located above iron handle 205 whereby portions 282a,
282b form an angular relationship depicted in FIGURE 36
when the iron is raised, with said fitting lying near the
top surface of handle 205 and with sufficient space pro-
vided between it and the handle for insertion oE the user's
hand. Pin ~87 is located such that when iron 201 is
lowered into position for ironing, portion 282a and 282b
come into substantial aliynment and with slightly over-
centered relationship with a lower edge 291 of portion
282_ contacting the rear surface of the upper end of
fitting portion 282b. Portions 282a and 282b are inter-
connected by coiled tension spring 293 having one end
hooked across a pin 294 at the iron-remote end o member
289 and the other end hooked to a pin 294 located just
below pivot pin 287 whereby the axis of spriny 293 lies
close to pin 287 when the iron is lowered, yet can exert
increased leverage for maintaining the iron in a raised
position, as shown in FIGURE 29.
-30-
As the iron is lowered into contact with ironi.ng
surface 217, the effective lev~r arm provided by spring
293 becomes less and less and with the iron pressing with
a substantial portion of its weight upon the articles
being ironed and with additional weight being applicable
by pressure of the operator's hand. Thus, the iron
securement unit demonstrated in FIGURES 36-39 provides a
significant advantage with respect to movement of the
iron from its raised to its horizontal position and
subsequent return to its raised position. Since the axis
of spring 293 moves into alignment with the hinge axis
defined by pin 287, the weight of the iron is transferred
to the articles undergoing ironing.
It is preferred that the height of the linkage and
length of rod 210 be such that the iron occupies its
horizontal positi.on a short distance, such as about 0~5
inch (1.2 cm), before touching the iron.ing surface 217
so that the iron will drop under its own weight the re-
maining small incremental dis-tance to the ironing surface,
being thus no longer substantially under the influence of
spring 293. For raising the iron, the user when lifting
the iron handle will produce rotation about pin 287, rocking
the iron upon its heel which thus serves as a fulcrum
enabling the iron to be lifted easily. As the iron sole
plate 203 begins to form an angle to the horizontal, spring
293, being pretensioned, begins increasingly to e~ert its
influence by effective increase of the lever arm rel.ative
to pin 287, so that the iron seems to lift itself wi.t~out
substantial effort. This greatly minimizes the tiresome
application of lifting forces and provides hitherto un-
achieved ease of ironing by making it possible tG reposition
the iron while it is fully supported by the new ironing
apparatus.
-31-
77
This arrangement also provides a reduced height per-
mi-tting the overall apparatus to be lower than otherwise
possible while still making the iron readily accessible
for movement between its raised and lowered positions yet
without blocking the operator~s view of the iron as
requisite for most effici nt use.
It is to be noted -that ironing board 202 is polnted
at only one end, being that which would be to the left
of the user when the iron is in use position as preferred
if the user is right-handed. The new iron support
arrangement permits, however, the iron to be easily re-
located from its position shown (wherein the iron also
points to the left), -to an opposite direction, as a left-
handed individual would prefer~ Of course, the apparatus
could be manufactured with the elements reversed or with
the ironing board attached so tha-t its pointed end would
be to the right of the user, e.g., as viewed in FI~URE 24.
The new appara-tus not only provides the user with
previously unobtainable ease of ironing but also permits
the apparatus to be taken from storage and rapidly re-
oriente~ ~or use. Upon completion of ironing, the user
may just as quic~ly return the apparatus to its storage
orientation, even while the iron is still hot. Then, the
apparatus can be easily rolled for re-turn to a closet or
other storage location, being very compac-t and occupying
storage space scarcely more than would be required for
a separate iron and con~entional ironing board.
In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the
various objects of the invention and other advan-tageous
results are obtained.
-32-
Although the foregoing includes a description of the
best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention,
various changes and modificatlons are contemplated.
Since it is understood that changes and modifications
in the formation, construction, arrangement, and combination
of the various parts of the ironing apparatus of this in-
vention may be made and substituted for those herein shown
and described without departing from the nature and
principles of this invention, the descrip-tion, accordingly,
lQ shall be intexpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.
-33-
